Monday, January 2, 2012

Tying the Leadwing Coachman Wet Fly

We're bringing in the New Year with an old time favorite wet fly, the Leadwing Coachman. I fish this fly regularly, especially in the winter months, when it consistently takes fish. Although it's tied here on a standard dry fly hook, you can tie it on a standard wet fly hook or even a nymph hook. I typically fish it in tandem with another fly, tying it to the tag end of my tippet knot, which I leave about 5-6 inches long for this purpose.

I don't worry too much about getting the wing perfect as it gets messy shortly after running it through the H2O a few times. And, once a trout has had it in its jaws, it becomes a tight bunch of gray fibers that seems to attract the fish even more.

Although they look better with the head varnished, if you whip finish the head well, it's not necessary. They work just fine with out it, and you won't be adding any fish detracting odor to your imitation. Tie some up in sizes 12 and 14, and fish them with confidence. You will be glad you did.